Genesis 6:5
Verse
Context
Corruption on the Earth
4The Nephilim were on the earth in those days—and afterward as well—when the sons of God had relations with the daughters of men. And they bore them children who became the mighty men of old, men of renown.5Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great upon the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was altogether evil all the time.6And the LORD regretted that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The wickedness of man was great - What an awful character does God give of the inhabitants of the antediluvian world! 1. They were flesh, (Gen 6:3), wholly sensual, the desires of the mind overwhelmed and lost in the desires of the flesh, their souls no longer discerning their high destiny, but ever minding earthly things, so that they were sensualized, brutalized, and become flesh; incarnated so as not to retain God in their knowledge, and they lived, seeking their portion in this life. 2. They were in a state of wickedness. All was corrupt within, and all unrighteous without; neither the science nor practice of religion existed. Piety was gone, and every form of sound words had disappeared. 3. This wickedness was great רבה rabbah, "was multiplied;" it was continually increasing and multiplying increase by increase, so that the whole earth was corrupt before God, and was filled with violence, (Gen 6:11); profligacy among the lower, and cruelty and oppression among the higher classes, being only predominant. 4. All the imaginations of their thoughts were evil - the very first embryo of every idea, the figment of every thought, the very materials out of which perception, conception, and ideas were formed, were all evil; the fountain which produced them, with every thought, purpose, wish, desire, and motive, was incurably poisoned. 5. All these were evil without any mixture of good - the Spirit of God which strove with them was continually resisted, so that evil had its sovereign sway. 6. They were evil continually - there was no interval of good, no moment allowed for serious reflection, no holy purpose, no righteous act. What a finished picture of a fallen soul! Such a picture as God alone, who searches the heart and tries the spirit, could possibly give. 7. To complete the whole, God represents himself as repenting because he had made them, and as grieved at the heart because of their iniquities! Had not these been voluntary transgressions, crimes which they might have avoided, had they not grieved and quenched the Spirit of God, could he speak of them in the manner he does here? 8. So incensed is the most holy and the most merciful God, that he is determined to destroy the work of his hands: And the Lord said, I will destroy man whom I have created; Gen 6:7. How great must the evil have been, and how provoking the transgressions, which obliged the most compassionate God, for the vindication of his own glory, to form this awful purpose! Fools make a mock at sin, but none except fools.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
God saw it . . . repented . . . grieved--God cannot change (Mal 3:6; Jam 1:17); but, by language suited to our nature and experience, He is described as about to alter His visible procedure towards mankind--from being merciful and long-suffering, He was about to show Himself a God of judgment; and, as that impious race had filled up the measure of their iniquities, He was about to introduce a terrible display of His justice (Ecc 8:11).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And God saw the wickedness of man was great in the earth,.... That it spread throughout the earth, wherever it was inhabited by men, both among the posterity of Cain and Seth, and who indeed now were mixed together, and become one people: this respects actual transgressions, the wicked actions of men, and those of the grosser sort, which were "multiplied" (r) as the word also signifies; they were both great in quality and great in quantity; they were frequently committed, and that everywhere; the degeneracy was become universal; there was a flood of impiety that spread and covered the whole earth, before the deluge of waters came, and which was the cause of it: this God saw, not only by his omniscience, by which he sees everything, but he took notice of it in his providence, and was displeased with it, and determined in his mind to show his resentment of it, and let men see that he observed it, and disapproved of it, and would punish for it: and that, every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually: the heart of man is evil and wicked, desperately wicked, yea, wickedness itself, a fountain of iniquity, out of which abundance of evil flows, by which it may be known in some measure what is in it, and how wicked it is; but God, that sees it, only knows perfectly all the wickedness of it, and the evil that is in it: the "thoughts" of his heart are evil; evil thoughts are formed in the heart, and proceed from it; they are vain, foolish, and sinful, and abominable in the sight of God, by whom they are seen, known, and understood afar off: the "imagination" of his thoughts is evil, the formation of them; they were evil while forming, the substratum of thought, the very beginning of it, the first motion to it, yea, "every" such one was evil, and "only" so; not one good among them, not one good thing in their hearts, no one good thought there, nor one good imagination of the thought; and so it was "continually" from their birth, from their youth upwards, throughout the whole of their lives, and all the days of their lives, night and day, and day after day, without intermission: this respects the original corruption of human nature, and shows it to be universal; for this was not only true of the men of the old world, but of all mankind; the same is said of men after the flood as before, and of all men in general without any exception, Gen 8:21. Hence appears the necessity of regeneration, and proves that the new creature is not an improvement of the old principles of corrupt nature, since there is no good thing in man but what is put into him; also the disability of man to do that which is good, even to think a good thought, or do a good action; therefore the works of unregenerate men are not properly good works, since they cannot flow from a right principle, or be directed to a right end. (r) "augescere", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator; "multiplicaretur", Schmidt.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:5 everything they thought or imagined (literally every intention of the thoughts of their hearts): In the Old Testament, the heart is the core of volition, thought, and morality (see Prov 4:23). Wicked actions stem from a corrupt inner life. • consistently and totally evil: Strong language captures the pervasiveness, depth, and persistence of human wickedness. Human nature continued to be corrupt even after the flood (see Gen 8:21).
Genesis 6:5
Corruption on the Earth
4The Nephilim were on the earth in those days—and afterward as well—when the sons of God had relations with the daughters of men. And they bore them children who became the mighty men of old, men of renown.5Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great upon the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was altogether evil all the time.6And the LORD regretted that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Spain) the Touch of God
By David Wilkerson7.9K57:48Touch Of GodGEN 6:5MAT 6:33In this sermon, the preacher reflects on his own spiritual journey and the realization that he had been giving half-hearted sermons. He shares how the Holy Spirit convicted him while watching violent movies and reminded him of the destructive power of violence. This conviction led him to seek a deeper relationship with God and a hunger to see His love manifested. The preacher urges the audience to break through and seek God's heart for the sake of their country, emphasizing the need for a genuine and passionate pursuit of God's presence.
Why Does the Holy Spirit Not Fill the Church
By A.W. Tozer5.8K39:09Holy SpiritGEN 6:5GEN 6:11MAT 5:28MAT 7:21ACT 2:171TI 6:171PE 4:17In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of judgment and the need for it in order to save humanity. He explains that God saw the moral corruption that had spread throughout mankind and decided to send a judgment in the form of a flood to destroy the corruption and save a few righteous individuals. The preacher emphasizes the importance of taking judgment seriously, as everyone will eventually face judgment for their actions. He concludes by sharing a story about a physician who sometimes has to amputate a limb in order to save the patient's life, highlighting the necessity of removing that which could be deadly.
America's Last Call (Part 1 of 6)
By David Wilkerson5.6K50:32AmericaGEN 6:5In this sermon, the preacher discusses the current state of prosperity in America, with the stock market at an all-time high and unemployment at a 28-year low. However, he also acknowledges that big corporations are laying off thousands of employees. The preacher feels burdened by the responsibility of delivering a prophetic word to his congregation, but after a four-year hiatus, he feels the fire burning again and believes this is the first of a series of prophetic messages about the last call to America. He encourages his listeners not to be drawn in and seduced by worldly things, but to have hope and faith because they are different from those in the world, and God will make known that difference in the days to come.
What Is Real Christianity?
By Paul Washer5.3K1:12:31GEN 6:5MAT 10:28MAT 22:37JHN 14:6ROM 2:41CO 15:1REV 6:16In this sermon, the preacher passionately delivers the gospel of Jesus Christ, urging the listeners to repent and turn to God. He emphasizes the fallen nature of humanity, using examples of extreme acts of violence and the existence of laws as evidence. The preacher also highlights the need for mercy and the consequences of rejecting God's truth. He references Bible verses, such as Isaiah 64:6-7, to support his points about the sinful state of mankind. Overall, the sermon calls for a response to the message of salvation and warns of the eternal consequences of rejecting God.
The End Times (Luke 17-26) - Part 2
By Leonard Ravenhill5.1K38:51End TimesGEN 6:5MAT 11:20MAT 12:36MAT 16:26MAT 22:37MAT 24:37MAT 28:19In this sermon, the speaker expresses his deep concern for the spiritual state of America and England. He references Matthew 11:20-21, where Jesus rebukes the cities of Khorazin and Bethsaida for not repenting despite witnessing mighty works. The speaker laments the lack of spiritual fervor in society, comparing it to the days of Noah. He emphasizes the need for individuals to prioritize reading and meditating on God's Word and to be broken-hearted over the sin and brokenness in the world.
The Holy Spirit—let Him Come
By A.W. Tozer4.7K41:32Holy SpiritGEN 6:5GEN 8:9MAT 28:201CO 6:9EPH 5:18REV 2:23REV 22:20In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of taking the message of God seriously. He warns that we will all face judgment one day and stand before God to give an account of our actions. The preacher highlights that God's love for humanity caused him grief when he saw the corruption and violence in the world. As a result, God sent a judgment in the form of a flood to cleanse the earth and save a few righteous individuals. The preacher also mentions the story of the dove in the Ark as an illustration of why the Holy Spirit does not fill the church, suggesting that the world's corruption and wickedness hinder the presence of the Holy Spirit.
He Drank Your Hell
By Paul Washer4.5K1:14:09HellGEN 6:5PSA 22:1PSA 22:4MAT 6:33ROM 3:10ROM 3:23In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding and preaching the Gospel. He highlights Romans chapter 3 as one of the greatest passages on the Gospel ever written. The preacher explains that all people have sinned and fallen short of God's glory, but through the redemption in Christ Jesus, they can be justified by God's grace. He emphasizes the need for a miracle in the hearts of individuals to come to God, which can only happen through the preaching of the Gospel. The central question of the Gospel is how God can be just and justify wicked individuals, and the preacher explains that Jesus Christ's death is the answer to this question.
Se Pt1 - What's Wrong With American 'Christianity'
By Paul Washer4.3K39:30GEN 6:5MAT 6:33ROM 3:101CO 15:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He reminds the audience, both Christians and non-Christians, of the significance of the Gospel in their lives. The preacher criticizes the current state of the church, stating that the Gospel has been reduced to simplistic cliches and that there is a lack of understanding regarding the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. He emphasizes that the Gospel is the only means of salvation and urges Christians to continually remind themselves of its message.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ: A Burden for Young People
By Paul Washer3.9K1:17:37Young PeopleGEN 6:5MAT 6:33ROM 3:191CO 15:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the gospel of Jesus Christ as the foundation and constant motivation for believers. He highlights the need for constant proclamation of the gospel and a greater understanding of Jesus Christ and what God has done for us. The preacher also addresses the current state of churches in America, acknowledging both positive and negative aspects. He emphasizes that the gospel is the only message with the power to bring about salvation and transformation in a person's life.
(Exodus) Exodus 9:18-35
By J. Vernon McGee3.2K04:56GEN 6:5EXO 9:19EXO 9:26EXO 9:31EXO 9:35In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of the hail plague in Egypt as described in the Bible. He emphasizes the importance of believing in God and taking His warnings seriously. The preacher highlights the contrast between those who feared the word of the Lord and took action to protect themselves and their belongings, and those who did not believe and suffered the consequences. He also mentions that Egypt is a land with very little rainfall, and that the upcoming hailstorm would be unprecedented. The sermon emphasizes the need to believe in God and heed His warnings to avoid judgment.
What Kind of Being Is Man - Part 3
By Paris Reidhead3.1K51:27Sinful NatureGEN 6:5GEN 11:9GEN 19:24MAT 6:33ACT 17:112CO 4:42PE 2:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the intelligence and ability of humans to organize and change their environment. He also highlights the presence of a sinful nature within every individual. The speaker references the story of Abel and Cain, where Abel offers a sheep as a sacrifice, acknowledging his own guilt and need for forgiveness. The sermon encourages listeners to study the Bible and understand the nature of man, his weaknesses, crimes, and potential for change. The speaker also mentions God's disapproval of sin, as seen through various biblical events such as the flood and the destruction of cities.
Almost Persuaded
By Jim Cymbala2.9K37:23Christian LifeGEN 6:5EXO 20:31KI 15:26PRO 14:12ISA 59:2MAT 22:39ACT 16:31In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of setting good examples in life. He shares a personal experience of witnessing three young men being arrested and reflects on how their lives took a wrong turn due to following the wrong examples. The speaker also highlights the mercy of God and how he becomes angry when people waste their lives. He mentions the story of God's people in the Bible and how they faced consequences for their actions. The sermon concludes with a reminder of Jesus' sacrifice and the opportunity for redemption and eternal life through faith in Him.
(Genesis) Genesis 11:10-32
By J. Vernon McGee2.7K11:32GEN 4:7GEN 5:26GEN 6:5GEN 11:1GEN 12:1GEN 15:6In this sermon, the speaker discusses the shift in focus from events to important personalities in the Bible, specifically in the book of Genesis. The four main personalities mentioned are Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. The speaker highlights Abraham as a man of faith and introduces the upcoming chapter 12. The sermon also touches on the tower of Babel and the significance of these events in demonstrating humanity's sinfulness and the need for Christ.
(Demonology) Lucifer the Leader
By Willie Mullan2.7K1:16:37DemonologyGEN 6:5EZK 28:122CO 11:22PE 1:21JUD 1:6REV 12:7In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of angels and their rebellion against God. He mentions that some angels were cast down to hell and reserved for judgment because they went too far in their rebellion. The preacher also talks about the creation of the earth and how it became without form and void due to the rebellion of a fallen angel named Christopher. He then references a passage in Genesis about a war between four kings and five kings, emphasizing the importance of spiritual warfare and the need for believers to use their mighty weapons to fight against the strongholds of Satan. The preacher concludes by acknowledging that there is much to learn about the soul and the spiritual battles we face.
Will God's Elect Be Deceived?
By B.B. Caldwell2.7K46:41DeceptionGEN 6:5GEN 6:9MAT 24:51TH 1:7In this sermon, the preacher asks four important questions: whether the audience has been born again, whether they know Christ, whether they have the inward witness, and whether they have a call from God. The preacher shares his own experience of being called by God and emphasizes the importance of knowing if one is among those who are chosen. He then references 1 Thessalonians chapter 1, verses 4-10, which provides seven ways to know if one is among the chosen. The sermon also highlights the prevalence of deception in the world and the need to be cautious and discerning.
Men Like Noah
By Leonard Ravenhill2.4K1:14:52NoahGEN 6:5PSA 139:13JER 9:1MAT 6:33GAL 2:202PE 1:12REV 20:12In this sermon, the speaker begins by discussing the negative impact of television on families, referring to it as the "life support" of most homes. He shares a story of a woman at a funeral who reveals that her children have a bad habit of watching TV late into the night. The speaker then criticizes the American way of evangelizing, emphasizing the need for genuine compassion and love in reaching out to others. He concludes by referencing the biblical story of Noah and the Ark, highlighting the importance of diligently preparing for the coming judgment.
What's Wrong With American 'Christianity'
By Paul Washer2.2K39:31American ChristianityGEN 6:5MAT 6:33JHN 3:16ACT 4:12ROM 3:101CO 15:1EPH 2:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of constantly reminding Christians of the gospel. He argues that the gospel has lost its power in America because people do not understand the predicament they are in before a holy God. The preacher believes that the primary motivation for Christians should be the gospel of Jesus Christ, which offers salvation and reconciliation with God. He encourages both Christians and non-Christians to embrace the gospel and experience the pleasure of God.
(Through the Bible) Exodus 1-5
By Chuck Smith1.8K1:23:21ExpositionalGEN 50:26EXO 2:15EXO 4:1EXO 4:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God is not just a passive observer of our struggles and suffering. He takes action to deliver His people from their hardships. The preacher also highlights the importance of not getting too attached to material possessions, as they can easily be taken away. Instead, our focus should be on the things of the Spirit and God's eternal kingdom. The sermon references the story of Moses and the Israelites in Egypt, where they faced oppression and hardship, but ultimately God delivered them.
The Sufficiency of Scripture and the Gospel
By Paul Washer1.8K1:20:00Sufficiency of ScriptureGEN 6:5MAT 6:33MAT 27:46ROM 3:19In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and importance of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He describes how Christ bore the wrath of God and saved mankind through his sacrifice. The preacher highlights that a heavenly vision of one's own iniquity and understanding of what Christ did is what drives a person. He also emphasizes that all other aspects of life, such as culture, refinement, and ethics, cannot save a person, but only the Gospel can make a difference. The sermon concludes with a reminder that everyone has sinned and needs to hear the Gospel.
Jesus Christ My Glory
By Chuck Smith1.6K37:38GEN 6:5PSA 10:1PSA 10:11PSA 103:8PSA 119:1JER 9:23MAT 7:21In this sermon, the preacher highlights the corrupt state of the world, drawing parallels between the present day and the biblical times. The preacher emphasizes that God's nature is characterized by love and holiness. The sermon also discusses the importance of moral strength and a right relationship with God, rather than relying on military power or riches. The preacher encourages the audience to seek a deep understanding and knowledge of God, as it is more valuable than worldly possessions or intelligence.
(Through the Bible) Romans 13-14
By Chuck Smith1.5K1:05:18Through The BibleGEN 6:5LUK 18:8ROM 13:12TI 3:13In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of love and how it fulfills the law. He also highlights the significance of being aware of the times we live in and the prophecies given by God. The preacher encourages believers to cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light, living honestly and avoiding sinful behaviors. Additionally, he addresses the issue of pornography addiction and its detrimental effects on individuals, comparing it to alcohol or drug addiction. The sermon concludes with a call to wake up from spiritual lethargy and engage with biblical scholarship that is more impactful.
(Through the Bible) Genesis 6-7
By Chuck Smith1.5K1:02:58ExpositionalGEN 6:5In this sermon, the preacher discusses the possibility of saying no to God too many times and doing despite to the spirit of grace. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing the line between God's grace and mercy and his judgment. The preacher also highlights the story of Noah and how God shut him in the ark, symbolizing the refuge that God provides through Jesus Christ. The sermon concludes with a reminder that God's spirit strives with man, but there is a time when God's striving ends and judgment begins.
(Genesis #8) Safe Through Judgement
By J. Glyn Owen1.4K51:41PreservationGEN 6:3GEN 6:5ISA 5:20MAT 6:33MAT 7:24ROM 14:12REV 20:12In this sermon, the preacher discusses the state of the world and the need for God's judgment. He emphasizes the social consequences of sin throughout history, highlighting the damage it has caused to individuals, families, and society. The preacher quotes verses from Genesis 6 to support the idea that God has determined to destroy mankind due to the violence and wickedness on earth. He warns that if the Creator declares destruction, it will surely happen. Overall, the sermon focuses on the state of the world and the impending judgment of God.
Free Agency
By John Murray1.3K50:21Free AgencyGEN 6:5JAS 1:13In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of natural liberty and human agency. He emphasizes that man is endowed with real agency, but God is the ultimate agent. Man acts dependently and excessively within the limits of this created realm. The preacher refers to Calvin's Institutes, specifically Book 2, chapters 3 and 5, to support his points. He highlights the importance of recognizing that the power of volition does not explain why individuals exercise that power in certain ways, leading to the diversity of actions among people.
Lot - a Man Who Began Well but Ended Badly!
By Erlo Stegen1.2K59:52LotGEN 6:5GEN 6:7In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Lot, Abraham's nephew, as described in Genesis 13, 18, and 19. The sermon begins with Abram's hospitality towards three men who visit him, emphasizing his willingness to serve and honor them. The preacher then highlights Lot's actions when he encounters the wicked men of Sodom, pleading with them to stop their evil intentions. However, the men reject Lot's authority and threaten him. Ultimately, Lot is saved by the heavenly messengers who blind the wicked men and protect him inside his house.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The wickedness of man was great - What an awful character does God give of the inhabitants of the antediluvian world! 1. They were flesh, (Gen 6:3), wholly sensual, the desires of the mind overwhelmed and lost in the desires of the flesh, their souls no longer discerning their high destiny, but ever minding earthly things, so that they were sensualized, brutalized, and become flesh; incarnated so as not to retain God in their knowledge, and they lived, seeking their portion in this life. 2. They were in a state of wickedness. All was corrupt within, and all unrighteous without; neither the science nor practice of religion existed. Piety was gone, and every form of sound words had disappeared. 3. This wickedness was great רבה rabbah, "was multiplied;" it was continually increasing and multiplying increase by increase, so that the whole earth was corrupt before God, and was filled with violence, (Gen 6:11); profligacy among the lower, and cruelty and oppression among the higher classes, being only predominant. 4. All the imaginations of their thoughts were evil - the very first embryo of every idea, the figment of every thought, the very materials out of which perception, conception, and ideas were formed, were all evil; the fountain which produced them, with every thought, purpose, wish, desire, and motive, was incurably poisoned. 5. All these were evil without any mixture of good - the Spirit of God which strove with them was continually resisted, so that evil had its sovereign sway. 6. They were evil continually - there was no interval of good, no moment allowed for serious reflection, no holy purpose, no righteous act. What a finished picture of a fallen soul! Such a picture as God alone, who searches the heart and tries the spirit, could possibly give. 7. To complete the whole, God represents himself as repenting because he had made them, and as grieved at the heart because of their iniquities! Had not these been voluntary transgressions, crimes which they might have avoided, had they not grieved and quenched the Spirit of God, could he speak of them in the manner he does here? 8. So incensed is the most holy and the most merciful God, that he is determined to destroy the work of his hands: And the Lord said, I will destroy man whom I have created; Gen 6:7. How great must the evil have been, and how provoking the transgressions, which obliged the most compassionate God, for the vindication of his own glory, to form this awful purpose! Fools make a mock at sin, but none except fools.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
God saw it . . . repented . . . grieved--God cannot change (Mal 3:6; Jam 1:17); but, by language suited to our nature and experience, He is described as about to alter His visible procedure towards mankind--from being merciful and long-suffering, He was about to show Himself a God of judgment; and, as that impious race had filled up the measure of their iniquities, He was about to introduce a terrible display of His justice (Ecc 8:11).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And God saw the wickedness of man was great in the earth,.... That it spread throughout the earth, wherever it was inhabited by men, both among the posterity of Cain and Seth, and who indeed now were mixed together, and become one people: this respects actual transgressions, the wicked actions of men, and those of the grosser sort, which were "multiplied" (r) as the word also signifies; they were both great in quality and great in quantity; they were frequently committed, and that everywhere; the degeneracy was become universal; there was a flood of impiety that spread and covered the whole earth, before the deluge of waters came, and which was the cause of it: this God saw, not only by his omniscience, by which he sees everything, but he took notice of it in his providence, and was displeased with it, and determined in his mind to show his resentment of it, and let men see that he observed it, and disapproved of it, and would punish for it: and that, every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually: the heart of man is evil and wicked, desperately wicked, yea, wickedness itself, a fountain of iniquity, out of which abundance of evil flows, by which it may be known in some measure what is in it, and how wicked it is; but God, that sees it, only knows perfectly all the wickedness of it, and the evil that is in it: the "thoughts" of his heart are evil; evil thoughts are formed in the heart, and proceed from it; they are vain, foolish, and sinful, and abominable in the sight of God, by whom they are seen, known, and understood afar off: the "imagination" of his thoughts is evil, the formation of them; they were evil while forming, the substratum of thought, the very beginning of it, the first motion to it, yea, "every" such one was evil, and "only" so; not one good among them, not one good thing in their hearts, no one good thought there, nor one good imagination of the thought; and so it was "continually" from their birth, from their youth upwards, throughout the whole of their lives, and all the days of their lives, night and day, and day after day, without intermission: this respects the original corruption of human nature, and shows it to be universal; for this was not only true of the men of the old world, but of all mankind; the same is said of men after the flood as before, and of all men in general without any exception, Gen 8:21. Hence appears the necessity of regeneration, and proves that the new creature is not an improvement of the old principles of corrupt nature, since there is no good thing in man but what is put into him; also the disability of man to do that which is good, even to think a good thought, or do a good action; therefore the works of unregenerate men are not properly good works, since they cannot flow from a right principle, or be directed to a right end. (r) "augescere", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator; "multiplicaretur", Schmidt.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:5 everything they thought or imagined (literally every intention of the thoughts of their hearts): In the Old Testament, the heart is the core of volition, thought, and morality (see Prov 4:23). Wicked actions stem from a corrupt inner life. • consistently and totally evil: Strong language captures the pervasiveness, depth, and persistence of human wickedness. Human nature continued to be corrupt even after the flood (see Gen 8:21).